Workers' comp prescription delivery: how it generally works

How it generally works

It starts with your doctor. When your doctor writes a prescription, they send it electronically to a pharmacy. Usually that's a local store, but it can be a pharmacy that delivers. You don't need to carry a paper prescription anywhere.

The pharmacy then needs to know the prescription relates to a workers' comp claim. That usually means your claim number, the name of your employer, and the insurer or claims administrator handling the claim. With those details, the pharmacy can work out how the prescription will be billed.

Once the pharmacy has what it needs, the medication is prepared and delivered to your door. Rules differ by state and by claim — some claims have particular pharmacy arrangements — so your adjuster is the person to ask about yours.

• Your doctor chooses where to send the prescription
• The pharmacy needs your workers' comp claim details
• Billing depends on your claim and your state's rules
• Medication is delivered to your door

Questions to ask

Different people hold different pieces of the answer. Your doctor decides what to prescribe and where to send it. Your adjuster knows your claim. The pharmacist knows the medication and the delivery process.

A few minutes on the phone with each can save a lot of waiting later.

If you've been given more than one prescription, ask about each one. One may be deliverable while another needs a different arrangement.

• Doctor: Can my prescription be sent to a pharmacy that delivers?
• Adjuster: Does my claim have any pharmacy requirements?
• Adjuster: Is this prescription covered under my claim?
• Pharmacist: What do you need from me to process it as workers' comp?
• Pharmacist: Who do I call with questions about my medication?
• Pharmacist: Can this medication be delivered by mail?

What to have ready

Gather your claim details in one place — a note on your phone works well. If you don't have a claim number yet, ask your employer or the insurer when it will be assigned.

Double-check the address and phone number your doctor's office has for you. A delivery can only reach you if those are right.

• Your claim number, if one has been assigned
• Your adjuster's name and phone number
• Your employer's name and the date of injury
• Your current delivery address and phone number
• A list of all medications you take

About the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program

Prescriptions.plus is an educational site, not a pharmacy. Through the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program, doctors can send prescriptions to our licensed partner pharmacy, and medication is dispensed by our licensed partner pharmacy and delivered to the patient's door.

Ask your doctor whether your prescription can be sent to our partner pharmacy. A $5 dispensing fee applies, and a delivery fee applies. Eligibility depends on the prescription, the doctor and the claim, so we can't promise that any particular prescription will qualify.

Some medications, such as Schedule II controlled substances, may not be available by mail — your partner pharmacy will advise. The prescribing doctor decides refills.

If something goes wrong

If a prescription is delayed or denied, ask the pharmacy exactly what is missing, then ask your adjuster whether anything is needed from you or your doctor. Write down who you spoke to and when.

If you have a workers' comp attorney, let them know about problems getting your medication. And if you run low while a problem is being sorted out, call your doctor's office — don't simply go without.

If you have a reaction to a medication, call your doctor or pharmacist. Medical emergency? Call 911.